Labrador Retriever Rescue-CT, Inc
A 501(c)(3) non-profit organizationP.O. Box 592
Essex , CT 06426
Phone: 860-767-0381
Email: labrescuect@gmail.com
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Please note: We will not be taking any new surrenders until January 1 so we can focus our efforts over the holidays on the labs already in our care. Thank you for your understanding.
OUR FEATURED LABS - SEEING DOUBLE: PERFECT PAIRS!
Grace and Ginger
Please help! We are seeking a foster for Ginger and Grace while they are awaiting adoption. If you can help, please email us at labrescuect@gmail.com for a foster application.
Meet Ginger and Grace, two senior ladies who ended up homeless at 10 years of age because of a divorce between their human guardians. They certainly didn't expect to spend their golden years in a shelter. They have been together their whole lives and are very much a bonded pair. Ginger is a yellow female and Grace is a chocolate female. Both spayed and up to date on immunizations. They are both spry, inquisitive and playful for their age and certainly don't know they are seniors. Both are trained to the invisible fence. They love to take walks, as well as sit by your side, whether working on the computer or gardening. Both know all of their obedience commands. They have had recent bloodwork and physicals and both in excellent health. Senior dogs are treasures, they ask for so little but give so much more.They enjoy simple pleasures of being a companion and want nothing more in return than a good walk, a little affection and feet to lay on. Of course it helps if you still like to throw tennis balls because they still like to chase them. Great with other dogs, love everyone they meet. Happy, happy girls with smiles on their faces. Wish we could all have their optimism and zest for life and seeing only the good things. Please help them celebrate their golden years with a forever home.
Nik and Noel
Great news! Nik and Noel have found their forever home!
Noel and Nik are a brother and sister bonded pair who do everything together. Noel is black and Nik is yellow. They are 9 years old but do not look or act like seniors. They are very much engaged, like to play. Noel is still chasing down her tennis balls at record speed. They both know basic obedience commands, get along great with other dogs, raised with children and just enjoy being part of the family. Both are extremely affectionate happy labs, who want to stay together. Noel seems to smile all of the time and her tail is set to nonstop wag. They are one of the lesser known victims of the economy with their family going through difficult financial times and losing their home.
PLEASE HELP ROXY!
April 2nd, we were asked to take into our care a 2-year-old male black lab who had been abandoned at his home. Upon arriving, we learned that his mother, 8-year-old Roxy was also in the home, as well as a 5-month-old female puppy. Roxy had been hit by a car 3 weeks prior, but had not received any medical attention and was unable to walk on her right rear leg. The family had intended to euthanize her that weekend. Roxy was taken immediately to one of our vets for emergency medical care. Xrays indicated that the impact of the car had completely rotated the head of the femur out of the hip socket. Had she gotten immediate medical attention, the femur could've been re-positioned back into the socket, but now she will need FHO surgery to remove the head of the femur. She is not currently in good enough overall condition to withstand surgery but we are hopeful that it can be done soon. In addition to her injuries, Roxy was completely overbred with back-to-back puppy litters and also has a severe skin condition caused by allergies that were never treated and has gotten horribly out of control. We have had success in treating this type of systemic yeast infection with a protocol of high quality holistic food plus supplements, but it will probably be months before any true improvement shows due to the extent of her condition. Her eyes are so inflamed that they barely open and her ears are swollen as well. At our vet's office, there wasn't a dry eye when she arrived. Amazingly, given the pain that she was in, she was still able to wag her tail! Roxy is a survivor of the worst animal cruelty and deserves a second chance to be shown kindness by human beings. She has a long road to recovery ahead of her but the very fact that she is still alive shows she is a dog of great heart. We have a wonderful foster family for her, who will guide her in this process when she leaves the vet, but we need your help with her medical expenses, which will be extensive. If you can open your heart to give this girl that second chance, please use the Paypal donation link below. Bless you from Roxy and all of us here at LRRCT!
NEWS AND UPDATES
********2008 Year in Review ********
It's been a busy year! Here are the final statistics for 2008:
Total Intakes: 64
Labs Currently in Foster Care: 10
Total Adoptions: 54
6 puppies
6 adolescents
19 adults
23 seniors!
Among these were 4 labs with special needs; Richmond and Theo were both blind, Sunshine(Becky) a cancer survivor and Dash, a puppy born with a severe congenital abnormality, Megaesophagus.
********A REASON TO ADOPT ********
Since the summer has brought many changes, including a major move for the President of LRRCT, Inc and a new baby for our webmaster who has earned a very well deserved maternity break, we'd like to focus on some of our happy endings. We at LRRCT feel privileged to have met so many extraordinary labradors who become guests in our home for a short and sometimes long while before they find their forever homes. We have also been honored by extraordinary support from many individuals, whether financial or volunteering their time and commitment to our mission.We'd first like to focus on some of the labradors who have come into our program because of servicemen giving up their labs. Please look at Cleopatra, Dixie and China in our Happy Endings. They are just a few of the labs surrendered by our military being called up for active duty for two and three times and having no more options for their canine companions. I wish there were some way for them to know that their labs all got extraordinary homes with extraordinary labrador people. They are true companions and loved. (Pictures to follow)
This section starts with a story forwarded by one of our adopters but as I read it, it could have been written by any one of our rescue labs owners. in the military. I hope it might make just one of our readers look at a lab or any dog found in a shelter or rescue through different eyes. Many are loved and their owners have no other options. Although long, it is well worth the read.
“TO WHOEVER GETS MY DOG”
They told me the big black Lab's name was Reggie as I looked at him lying in his pen. The shelter was clean, no-kill, and the people really friendly. I'd only been in the area for six months, but everywhere I went in the small college town, people were welcoming and open. Everyone waves when you pass them on the street.
But something was still missing as I attempted to settle in to my new life here, and I thought a dog couldn't hurt. Give me someone to talk to. I had just seen Reggie's advertisement on the local news. The shelter said they had received numerous calls right after, but they said the people who had come down to see him just didn't look like "Lab people," whatever that meant. They must've thought I did.
But at first, I thought the shelter had misjudged me in giving me Reggie and his things, which consisted of a dog pad, bag of toys almost all of which were brand new tennis balls, his dishes, and a sealed letter from his previous owner. See, Reggie and I didn't really hit it off when we got home. We struggled for two weeks (which is how long the shelter told me to give him to adjust to his new home). Maybe it was the fact that I was trying to adjust, too. Maybe we were too much alike.
For some reason, his stuff (except for the tennis balls - he wouldn't go anywhere without two stuffed in his mouth) got tossed in with all of my other unpacked boxes. I guess I didn't really think he'd need all his old stuff, that I'd get him new things once he settled in. but it became pretty clear pretty soon that he wasn't going to.
I tried the normal commands the shelter told me he knew, ones like "sit" and "stay" and come" and "heel," and he'd follow them - when he felt like it. He never really seemed to listen when I called his name - sure, he'd look in my direction after the fourth of fifth time I said it, but then he'd just go back to doing whatever. When I'd ask again, you could almost see him sigh and then grudgingly obey.
This just wasn't going to work. He chewed a couple shoes and some unpacked boxes. I was a little too stern with him and he resented it, I could tell. The friction got so bad that I couldn't wait for the two weeks to be up, and when it was, I was in full-on search mode for my cell phone amid all of my unpacked stuff. I remembered leaving it on the stack of boxes for the guest room, but I also mumbled, rather cynically, that the "damn dog probably hid it on me."
Finally I found it, but before I could punch up the shelter's number, I also found his pad and other toys from the shelter.. I tossed the pad in Reggie's direction and he snuffed it and wagged, some of the most enthusiasm I'd seen since bringing him home. But then I called, "Hey, Reggie, you like that? Come here and I'll give you a treat." Instead, he sort of glanced in my direction - maybe "glared" is more accurate - and then gave a discontented sigh and flopped down. With his back to me.
Well, that's not going to do it either, I thought.. And I punched the shelter phone number.
But I hung up when I saw the sealed envelope. I had completely forgotten about that, too. "Okay, Reggie," I said out loud, "let's see if your previous owner has any advice.".... .....
____________ _________ _________ _________
To Whoever Gets My Dog:
Well, I can't say that I'm happy you're reading this; a letter I told the shelter could only be opened by Reggie's new owner.
I'm not even happy writing it. If you're reading this, it means I just got back from my last car ride with my Lab after dropping him off at the shelter. He knew something was different. I have packed up his pad and toys before and set them by the back door before a trip, but this time.... it's like he knew something was wrong. And something is wrong... which is why I have to go to try to make it right.
So let me tell you about my Lab in the hopes that it will help you bond with him and he with you.
First, he loves tennis balls. the more the merrier. Sometimes I think he's part squirrel, the way he hordes them. He usually always has two in his mouth, and he tries to get a third in there. Hasn't done it yet. Doesn't matter where you throw them, he'll bound after it, so be careful - really don't do it by any roads. I made that mistake once, and it almost cost him dearly.
Next, commands. Maybe the shelter staff already told you, but I'll go over them again: Reggie knows the obvious ones - "sit," "stay," "come," "heel.." He knows hand signals: "back" to turn around and go back when you put your hand straight up; and "over" if you put your hand out right or left. "Shake" for shaking water off, and "paw" for a high-five. He does "down" when he feels like lying down - I bet you could work on that with him some more. He knows "ball" and "food" and "bone" and "treat" like nobody's business.
I trained Reggie with small food treats. Nothing opens his ears like little pieces of hot dog.
Feeding schedule: twice a day, once about seven in the morning, and again at six in the evening. Regular store-bought stuff; the shelter has the brand.
He's up on his shots. Call the clinic on 9th Street and update his info with yours; they'll make sure to send you reminders for when he's due. Be forewarned: Reggie hates the vet. Good luck getting him in the car - I don't know how he knows when it's time to go to the vet, but he knows.
Finally, give him some time. I've never been married, so it's only been Reggie and me for his whole life. He's gone everywhere with me, so please include him on your daily car rides if you can. He sits well in the backseat, and he doesn't bark or complain. He just loves to be around people, and me most especially..
Which means that this transition is going to be hard, with him going to live with someone new.
And that's why I need to share one more bit of info with you.... His name's not Reggie.
I don't know what made me do it, but when I dropped him off at the shelter, I told them his name was Reggie. He's a smart dog, he'll get used to it and will respond to it, of that I have no doubt. but I just couldn't bear to give them his real name. For me to do that, it seemed so final, that handing him over to the shelter was as good as me admitting that I'd never see him again. And if I end up coming back, getting him, and tearing up this letter, it means everything's fine. But if someone else is reading it, well... well it means that his new owner should know his real name. It'll help you bond with him.. Who knows, maybe you'll even notice a change in his demeanor if he's been giving you problems.
His real name is Tank.
Because that is what I drive.
Again, if you're reading this and you're from the area, maybe my name has been on the news. I told the shelter that they couldn't make "Reggie" available for adoption until they received word from my company commander. See, my parents are gone, I have no siblings, no one I could've left Tank with... and it was my only real request of the Army upon my deployment to Iraq, that they make one phone call the the shelter.... in the "event"... to tell them that Tank could be put up for adoption. Luckily, my colonel is a dog guy, too, and he knew where my platoon was headed. He said he'd do it personally. And if you're reading this, then he made good on his word.
Well, this letter is getting to downright depressing, even though, frankly, I'm just writing it for my dog. I couldn't imagine if I was writing it for a wife and kids and family. but still, Tank has been my family for the last six years, almost as long as the Army has been my family.
And now I hope and pray that you make him part of your family and that he will adjust and come to love you the same way he loved me.
That unconditional love from a dog is what I took with me to Iraq as an inspiration to do something selfless, to protect innocent people from those who would do terrible things... and to keep those terrible people from coming over here. If I had to give up Tank in order to do it, I am glad to have done so. He was my example of service and of love. I hope I honored him by my service to my country and comrades.
All right, that's enough. I deploy this evening and have to drop this letter off at the shelter. I don't think I'll say another good-bye to Tank, though. I cried too much the first time. Maybe I'll peek in on him and see if he finally got that third tennis ball in his mouth.
Good luck with Tank. Give him a good home, and give him an extra kiss goodnight - every night - from me.
Thank you, Paul Mallory
I folded the letter and slipped it back in the envelope. Sure I had heard of Paul Mallory, everyone in town knew him, even new people like me. Local kid, killed in Iraq a few months ago and posthumously earning the Silver Star when he gave his life to save three buddies. Flags had been at half-mast all summer.
I leaned forward in my chair and rested my elbows on my knees, staring at the dog.
"Hey, Tank," I said quietly..
The dog's head whipped up, his ears cocked and his eyes bright.
"C'mere boy."
He was instantly on his feet, his nails clicking on the hardwood floor. He sat in front of me, his head tilted, searching for the name he hadn't heard in months.
"Tank," I whispered.
His tail swished.
I kept whispering his name, over and over, and each time, his ears lowered, his eyes softened, and his posture relaxed as a wave of contentment just seemed to flood him. I stroked his ears, rubbed his shoulders, buried my face into his scruff and hugged him.
"It's me now, Tank, just you and me. Your old pal gave you to me." Tank reached up and licked my cheek. "So whatdaya say we play some ball? His ears perked again.
"Yeah? Ball? You like that? Ball?" Tank tore from my hands and disappeared in the next room. And when he came back, he had three tennis balls in his mouth....
********FOSTER HOMES DESPERATELY NEEDED**************
Due to the volume of wonderful labs in our program, we are in desperate need of foster homes. We have limited space right now in our current foster homes, as well as kennel space and are in danger of turning away labs at this point. Please look at our list and see if any one of our labs might be a guest in your home for a short while. Our usual adoption time is 2-3 weeks. Our mid range to senior labs are grateful for even the smallest kindness. Look into your own labrador's eyes and see if you would not want someone to step up to the plate if they ended up in some unfortunate situation. We supply food, crate if needed and any supplies. Fosters must be in the CT, NYC area. Foster application will be e-mailed upon request. We will only place a foster lab in a compatible situation for both the lab and the potential foster. If you cannot foster, please consider sponsoring one of our labs in boarding for any amount of time. Our labs would be most grateful!!
WHO WE ARE
Labrador Retriever Rescue-CT, Inc (LRRCT)is a 501(c)(3) non profit charity, dedicated to the rescue and rehoming of Labrador Retrievers that have been abandoned, lost or abused and found in shelters throughout the Northeast. The group was founded in 1996 and organized through long time participation with the Labrador Retriever Club, Inc (www.thelabradorclub.com/rescue.html)National Rescue Program. All LRRCT labs are for the most part purebred. We do accept some compatible "retriever" mixes but essentially the predominant look and temperament is one of a Labrador Retriever. Our labs come into our program from shelters, veterinarians and owner surrenders. They are given up because of family relocation, divorce, allergies, serious illness/death of the owner or simply because their owners do not have enough time for them All of our labs are evaluated for temperament and have been kid/cat/dog tested. All of our labs are spayed/neutered, up to date on immunizations and heartworm/lyme tested. Any medical issues/surgeries are taken care of prior to placement and fully disclosed to adopters.
ADOPTING, FOSTERING OR SPONSORING A LAB
Since we are a regional breed rescue, we adopt to families in Connecticut, SE New York and southern Massachusetts. If you are coming from outside this area, we would be happy to refer you to one of our partner rescues. Our adoption process is very hands-on and involves an adoption application, followed by a veterinary reference check and home visit from a volunteer, before we set up a meeting with any lab. Our application helps us to match you and your family's needs with those of our labs and carries with it no fee or obligation. It can be found via the link below. When the above steps have been completed and we have a lab that we think might make a good match for you, an appointment is scheduled for you to meet the lab. All of our labs awaiting adoption are with private fosters in the CT or NYC areas, as we do not run a shelter facility. Usually, you will be called to see just one lab and you will have to notify us within 24 hours of your intention to adopt.
All of our labs are adopted under a legal, binding contract. Our adoption fee is $300.00, which often only partially covers the full vetting and medical expenses incurred by our rescued labs. Rarely, no matter how carefully we match a lab and family, we are asked to take the lab back. If the placement is not working for either the family or the lab, the rescue lab must be returned to us. Lastly, LRRCT reserves the right to reclaim any rescue lab that becomes neglected, improperly cared for or is allowed to run free unsupervised.Is a Labrador Retriever the right dog for you? Though each of our rescued labs is a unique individual with his or her own special needs, the link below contains some general guidelines on what kind of home makes for a happy lab. They contain details on exercise, training, fencing, children, and many other aspects of labs’ needs. Before applying, please take the time to read this information and consider the guidelines carefully when deciding whether a lab is the right dog for your family. Additional information from the rescue lab’s perspective can be found in the Resource Center section of our web site.
Choosing A Labrador
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If you are not in a position to adopt but might be able to foster one of our labs, please contact us for a foster application. We carefully place our foster labs in a home that would be an appropriate match for them and the foster family.
And lastly, if you are not in a position to adopt or foster, please consider sponsoring one of our labs in foster care. Donations can be made directly through our Pay Pal account or mail directly to LRRCT, Inc., PO Box 461, Bridgewater, CT 06752. We are a 501 (c)(3) non profit charitable organization and rely on the kindness of contributions to fund our mission of helping abandoned or surrendered labrador retrievers of good temperament find permanent homes. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Donations may be earmarked for the following funds: 1. General Fund, which funds day to day expenses of our labs, including medical expenses, food/foster care, boarding, supplies, and training. 2. Medical Fund which funds extraordinary surgeries , cancer treatment , long term illness management. 3. Daisy Fund. Named for a gallant senior lady, specifically for treatment of our senior labs(age 8 or older) requiring extra care due to age related illnesses. Our senior labs often require more vetting than our average adult labs plus treatment for geriatric illnesses. We waive or reduce the adoption fee substantially for our senior labs, as well as for special need labs. 100% of our donations are used towards our labs medical and foster care, including food and boarding expenses. No amount is too small...Please support us in our mission to help these wonderful labs.
PLEASE NOTE
We are an all volunteer organization. We have jobs, families, understanding spouses, children & labs of our own plus a foster lab or two. Our first priority is "rescuing" the labs we are so committed to---this takes an enormous amount of manpower to evaluate at the shelter, transport from a shelter, vet & transport into foster care. We do not have the luxury of returning phone calls, unless it is an emergency surrender. If you need information, the quickest response will be through e-mail. Thank you for your patience.Labrador Retriever Rescue-CT, Inc
P.O. Box 592
Essex , CT 06426
Phone: 860-767-0381
Email: labrescuect@gmail.com
A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
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